Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

What the job really is

Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-2041
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
• Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
• Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
• Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
• Tack-weld fitted parts together.
• Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
• Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.
• Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
• Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.
• Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
• Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.
• Hammer, chip, and grind workpieces to cut, bend, and straighten metal.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Adjustable wrenches, Belt sanders, Bench vises, Beverly shears, Brakes, Center punches, Chipping tools, Circular saws

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Tool and Die Makers
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
• Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.